Child friendly rating: 3 stars

Distance: 5km (But definitely a little more)

Signposted time: 3 hours

Bookings Required? No

Suitable in Winter? Yes

Camping Available? Not really

4wd required? No

Parking:

Park at Pigeon Saddle on the Totaranui Road.

The Track:

The track isn't very wide most of the way, is relatively rough, and pretty steep in sections.

The first section isn't too bad, but then the track starts sharply going up to from the saddle elevation of around 300m asl to 540m asl. Here you pass a lovely viewpoint as the track does a 90 degree turn to the right, and then it's finally some relief as you get to walk on a flat section, followed by a downhill section.

As the track flattens out again, it's unfortunately not too much relief. You now have to fight through overgrowing gorse! My 3yo was very much not a fan of this, and I had to carry him through it. On the bright side, there were some good views, but on the down side, the older kids were upset going through the gorse and the baby didn't like his legs being brushed on it either but it was too hot to wear too many more layers.

Once you leave the gorse, there's a little more downhill, before you then have to climb another 250m+ in elevation gain. Every break in that last section is so close, but so far!

On the bright side, there is enough space to have a break in most places. Stopping on the track itself isn't a huge issue as it's not too busy. Plus the track is actually walkable by kids. My 3yo walked the whole way, except for through the gorse where I had to carry him. There are tree roots to climb up and over, but this is more enjoyable for my kids that a flat track most of the time.

I probably struggled more than the kids to be honest with carrying a 10 month old and a heavy pack and the 3yo and it was hot.

It took us 6 hours 11 minutes to walk to the hut, including our 1 hour lunch break. Back took 5 hours 10 minutes.

Hut:
The hut is super cute, and well placed with amazing views.

Recommendations:

The walk here isn't super hard, but the rougher track and uphill does make it a much harder option than other huts.

I'd say most 4yo+ would be fine to walk the whole way if you're prepared to carry them through the gorse. If you're not prepared to carry them, carry a machete and do some track maintenance. Or just visit with kids 7/8yo+.

I wouldn't do this track as a first hut with any under 10 however, just to not put the kids off.

We did enjoy the walk back down to the carpark a lot more than the walk up.